TL;DR: Georgia Sports Betting at a Glance
- Legal status: Sports betting is currently illegal in Georgia and both online and retail sportsbooks are prohibited.
- More than five legislative attempts have been made since 2018 to legalize sports betting in the state, including proposals in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. All have failed to reach the finish line.
- Public opinion is warming up: Polls show growing support for legal sports betting at 60% in favor according to the Albany Herald.
- Current options: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and horse race betting only through off-track racebooks online.
- Why hasn’t Georgia legalized sports betting? Strong opposition from conservative lawmakers and faith-based groups, constitutional ambiguity, and continued disagreements on how tax revenue would be used.
Best Georgia Sportsbooks
Click below to get started with any of these reputable international sportsbooks that serve Georgia sports bettors:
- Bovada: Most user-friendly with competitive odds and fast crypto payouts
- BetOnline: Best overall with extensive market coverage
- BookMaker: Industry-leading betting lines and lax betting limits
- BetAnything: Industry-leading reduced juice at -105 on major sports
- Heritage Sports: Premium choice for sharp bettors wanting long-term value
*This site contains commercial content, and OddsTrader may be compensated for the links provided on this site.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia?
First and foremost, sports betting is illegal in Georgia. However, if you still decide that you want to do it, it’s important to know how to do it safely and with as little risk as possible.
Because sports betting hasn’t been legalized, you won’t be able to access any of the nation’s most popular regulated sportsbooks, like DraftKings, FanDuel, or BetMGM. They cannot legally operate in Georgia.
However, you still have options thanks to the presence of offshore sportsbooks. These betting sites offer many of the same features but without the same legal protections. Therefore, if the betting site violates its own terms of service or does something fishy to your account, you won’t really be able to take any action against them.
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about all international sportsbooks taking advantage of you. Many of them have been around for decades and operate with sterling reputations. We’re here to tell you which ones are the most trustworthy.
Offshore vs Regulated Sportsbooks
While they have their similarities, international and regulated sportsbooks differ vastly in specific categories.
International sportsbooks…
- Tend to have higher betting limits and cater more to sharp bettors.
- Offer fewer consumer protections than U.S.-regulated sportsbooks.
- Have better odds, or reduced juice, on specific markets.
- Feature more betting markets, including non-sporting bets.
- Don’t have dedicated mobile apps and may be trickier to navigate as a result.
Regulated sportsbooks…
- May limit how much you can bet on certain promotions or impose stricter caps on sharp bettors.
- Are considered to be safer and offer better privacy, self-exclusion programs, and oversight.
- May have less competitive odds and offer inherently less value on popular betting markets.
- Don’t offer as many betting markets and may prohibit you entirely from wagering on specific bets, like player props or NCAA games, depending on specific state regulations.
- Offer mobile-optimized applications to make sports betting on the go a simple and convenient process.
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It’s essential to consider both sides of the coin before signing up for a specific betting site or regulated sportsbook. Ultimately, they both have their pros and cons. It just depends on what you’re comfortable with.
Georgia Online Betting: Here’s What You Should Know First
Betting with online sportsbooks can be perfectly safe provided you know what you’re doing. While these platforms aren’t regulated by Georgia or U.S. gaming authorities, many have decades-long track records of serving American bettors without issue. Reputable names like BetOnline, Bovada, and BookMaker are well-known for their reliable payouts, secure payment processing, and competitive odds.
However, since there’s no state or federal oversight, consumer protection is limited. That means if you run into issues with an international operator, there’s no local gaming commission to escalate complaints to. This is why it’s critical to stick to sportsbooks with strong reputations, positive user reviews, and clear terms and conditions.
What Can I Expect?
Betting with an offshore sportsbook can be seamless if you know what to expect. Here’s a snapshot of what the typical experience looks like:
- Mobile-friendly Access: Most sportsbooks have mobile-optimized websites so you can place bets directly from your phone.
- Flexible Payment Methods: Expect to find a wide variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including credit/debit cards, cryptocurrency, bank transfers, and even P2P options like Zelle or Cash App.
- Generous Bonuses and Promotions: International sportsbooks are known for offering generous welcome bonuses, often ranging from 50% to 150% of your initial deposit.
- Speedy Withdrawal Times: Crypto payouts are typically the fastest, sometimes processed within 24 hours. Other methods may take 3–7 business days.
- Wide Betting Markets: From Georgia Bulldogs football to the Atlanta Braves, online sportsbooks allow you to bet on local teams, college sports, and even niche events.
Safe Betting Checklist for Non-legal States
Sports betting isn’t regulated in Georgia, which means players don’t have the same consumer protections found in legal U.S. states. If you choose to use an international sportsbook, it’s important to understand the risks and verify certain safeguards before placing a wager.
- Verify the sportsbook’s license (even if it’s not U.S.-based).
- Look for public payout history and independent reviews.
- Understand banking and withdrawal expectations.
- Know what to do if there’s a dispute.
- Set personal limits and use responsible gambling tools.
Be sure to protect yourself when betting online. Check out these simple tips to help mitigate risk:
- Use only OddsTrader-recommended operators.
- Start small and test withdrawals first.
- Use cryptocurrency for faster, more reliable transactions.
- Never leave large balances. Withdraw profits regularly.
- Diversify across 2-3 books.
And lastly, here are some red flags to avoid when choosing a new Texas sports betting site:
- Lack of HTTPS: If a site isn’t secure, it’s a big red flag.
- Vague terms & conditions: Ambiguity can lead to problems down the line.
- Poor customer support: Customer service should be front and center, responsive, and helpful.
- Unclear payout structures: If payout rules and timelines aren’t transparent, be wary.
How to Bet on Sports in Georgia
It may not be as simple as downloading an app and getting started, but betting on sports in Georgia is still an easy process that only requires a few steps. Follow along with our step-by-step guide and you’ll be well on your way.
1. Pick Your Preferred Sportsbook
There are a lot of good options out there for Georgia sports betting. And different betting sites appeal to different groups of people. Take your time to read about the different features and find out what makes each sportsbook unique. Think about what matters most to you and sign up for the sportsbooks that satisfy your needs.
2. Create An Account and Claim Your Welcome Bonus
This is typically an easy process where you may need to enter some necessary personal information. And you may be required to verify it by providing a copy of your ID. You can skip providing banking information by using cryptocurrency.
To claim your sign-up bonus, you may need to notify customer service and provide proof of your new account. Some sites will offer a less involved process than others, and the bonus will be granted upon completion of registration.
Regardless of how you receive your bonus, make sure you understand the full terms and conditions before you begin betting. Some bonuses mandate that your bets meet a specific odds requirement, for example.
3. Make A Deposit
Payment options will vary depending on which sportsbook you sign up at, but you can regularly expect to see books accept credit/debit cards, standard banking methods, and cryptocurrencies.
Different payment methods come with different fees and limits. For instance, cryptocurrency banking is usually free of fees, has the highest limits, and the fastest deposits and withdrawals. Credit and debit cards will be more secure, but fees could cut into your spending power.
4. Place Your Bets
Now that you’ve created your account and added funds, it’s time to place your first bet. Once again, it’s important to take your time with this process since international sportsbooks offer far more betting markets than regulated options. If you’re new to sports betting, it’s best to stick with what you know.
Once you’ve found a line you like, enter an amount of money that you’d like to wager. The sportsbook will calculate your total risk and potential winnings and display that for you, and if you’re comfortable with those numbers, lock it in.
5. Request a Payout
Congratulations on your win! Now it’s time to receive your money. Again, you’ll find different withdrawal options available which vary from book to book (as do the fees).
It’s worth noting that you may not be able to make a withdrawal request immediately after winning your first bet. Welcome bonuses often carry rollover requirements, meaning you need to meet a certain threshold before you can transfer your winnings.
Best Georgia Sportsbooks
Regulated sportsbooks aren’t available in Georgia, but you can still access reliable international betting sites. You don’t need a VPN, either. These sportsbooks can and will serve customers in virtually every state.
Here are the safest options you can choose from:
Bovada
A giant in the online betting space, Bovada has been around for 15 years and is one of the most well-regarded options. It’s also restricted in nearly half of the United States, but Georgia bettors can access it without issue. Overall, it’s an excellent all-around option for sports bettors of all backgrounds.
Welcome Bonus: Bovada offers two welcome bonuses depending on how you fund your account.
- Crypto deposit: 75% match of up to $750 for first deposits via Bitcoin
- Credit card deposit: 50% deposit match worth up to $250 for first deposits of at least $20
BetOnline
BetOnline is one of the largest sportsbooks on the market and sees a massive volume of bettors from the United States. Payouts are fast, lines come early, and it has a strong track record with over 20 years of service. It also supports casino and sportsbook under the same account, so you aren’t limited to just sports betting here.
Welcome Bonus: 50% deposit match up to $250 in free bets
BookMaker
As one of the oldest international sportsbooks available, BookMaker has an excellent reputation and a long history to back it up. Its betting lines are industry standard and it has some of the highest betting limits available, making this an especially favorable option for veteran sports bettors. It also accepts a wide range of payment methods.
Welcome Bonus: BookMaker offers two welcome offers and it will be up to you to determine which better suits your betting style.
- 25% cash promo when depositing with credit card
- 100% free play bonus up to $400
BetAnything
Formerly known as BetAnySports, BetAnything has been around for 25 years and is known for offering reduced juice on top betting markets, meaning you’ll find better odds almost across the board. The sportsbook’s new redesign, paired with its favorable betting odds, makes it a top choice for bettors of all backgrounds.
Welcome Bonus: 150% free play bonus up to $750
Heritage Sports
Heritage Sports is smaller than some of its competitors, but it still offers top-tier features, including reduced juice, bet cancellations, and low minimums for wagers. Its betting limits are more strict than other sportsbooks, but most customers probably won’t notice.
Welcome Bonus: Heritage Sports offers two welcome offers, and it will be up to you to determine which better suits your betting style.
- 100% free play bonus up to $500
- 20% cash bonus up to $500
A Side-by-Side Comparison of Top Georgia Sportsbooks
| Bovada | BetOnline | BookMaker | BetAnything | Heritage Sports | |
| Years Operating | 14+ | 24+ | 30+ | 20+ | 24+ |
| Payment Speed | 1-24 hrs (crypto) | 1-24 hrs (crypto) | 1-2 days (crypto) | 1-2 days (crypto) | 1-3 days (crypto) |
| Welcome Bonus | 75% deposit match on Bitcoin OR 50% deposit match on credit/cash | 50% deposit match | 25% cash promo OR 100% free play bonus | 150% free play bonus | 100% free play bonus OR 20% cash bonus |
| Sports Leagues | 25+ | 25+ | 35+ | 20+ | 30+ |
| Products | Sports Casino Poker Racebook | Sports Casino Poker Racebook | Sports Casino | Sports Casino | Sports Casino Racebook |
| Usability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Very Good | Good |
Bet Smart, Stay Safe, and Explore Your Options in Georgia
While Georgia continues to resist passing sports betting legislation, residents don’t have to sit on the sidelines. Offshore sportsbooks remain the most viable and accessible option for Georgia bettors seeking action on their favorite teams, including the Bulldogs, Falcons, Braves, and more. These platforms aren’t without risks, but by sticking to trusted names like Bovada, BetOnline, and BookMaker, you can bet safely and securely while enjoying generous bonuses, competitive odds, and wide betting markets.
If you’re ready to start betting in Georgia, choose one of our recommended sportsbooks, claim your bonus, and make your first bet. And be sure to check back with OddsTrader regularly for updates on Georgia’s sports betting laws and expert recommendations to keep you informed and protected.
Georgia Sports Betting FAQs
If you’re still wanting to learn more about how to safely bet on sports in Georgia, consider checking out the following frequently asked questions:
Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia?
Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia?
Sports betting is not legal in Georgia. However, there are ways to safely bet on sports from the Peach State. This involves using offshore sportsbooks, which are a bit riskier than a traditional regulated sportsbook like FanDuel or DraftKings. Still, there are safe ways to go about it.
When Will Sports Betting be Legal in Georgia?
When Will Sports Betting be Legal in Georgia?
As of January 2026, the outlook is murky. Georgia lawmakers are reportedly planning to introduce another bill to legalize sports betting, but it remains unclear if it will get the necessary support to become law.
Is it Safe to Bet on Sports in Georgia?
Is it Safe to Bet on Sports in Georgia?
When done properly, it is safe to bet on sports in Georgia. International sportsbooks don’t offer as many consumer protections or as much oversight as regulated betting sites, but as long as you’re aware of this and choose to bet exclusively at reputable, well-regarded books, you shouldn’t run into any trouble.
Can I use DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook in Georgia?
Can I use DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook in Georgia?
No, FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook are both banned in Georgia. You can’t use a VPN to access these betting sites, either. If you live in Georgia and are set on using one of these sportsbooks, your best bet would be to travel to a neighboring state where online sports betting is legal.
Can I Bet in the States that Neighbor Georgia?
Can I Bet in the States that Neighbor Georgia?
Yes, you can travel to neighboring states to place online sports bets where the practice has been legalized. Beware, though, as your options are limited. Florida recently legalized mobile sports betting, and it’s available in Tennessee and North Carolina as well. However, it remains illegal in Alabama and South Carolina.
Are Offshore Sportsbooks Safe?
Are Offshore Sportsbooks Safe?
Offshore sportsbooks are safe, but they still come with bigger risks than their regulated competitors. They aren’t licensed by any United States-based gaming commissions, so you could be out of luck if you try to take legal action against an international betting site.
Do I Have to Use Cryptocurrency to Bet at Online Sportsbooks?
Do I Have to Use Cryptocurrency to Bet at Online Sportsbooks?
No, you don’t have to use cryptocurrency to bet at online sportsbooks. These sites tend to offer fewer fees and faster payouts if you use crypto for your deposits and withdrawals, but many of the best betting sites also accept credit cards, debit cards, bank wire transfers, e-checks, and more.
